Network Rail’s contractors have done a good job of restoring Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s last remaining personally designed footbridge over his Great Western Railway.
It happens to rest in Sydney Gardens over the ‘cut’ he made through this former Georgian pleasure garden. It was a part of the line this Victorian engineer designed to look like a theatre.
People would gather beside the track to watch his steam-powered, smoke-puffing engines enter ‘stage right’ and exit – in spectacular fashion – ‘stage left.’
His trains were, after all, the engineering wonder of the age. Transporting people at a speed many feared would literally take their breath away.
I have been talking to Network Rail and the Friends of Sydney Gardens about some sort of information plaque that would give credit to the now listed pedestrian bridge – a unique heritage rail asset – and also to Brunel’s theatrical railway through this public park.
B&NES, of course, would have to give permission, and information plaques have to be designed and paid for.
I am talking to B&NES and hope to arrange a meeting between the parties soon.
What do others think about the idea? Would anyone be prepared to sponsor such an information plaque?
Network Rail have done themselves proud with this, and also the very elegant railings that were installed a year or two ago. Hands down, the two smartest things in Sydney Gardens.
BANES should hang their heads in shame, especially after a big spend not too long ago “renovating” the gardens. One would be forgiven for not realising they did that, now that they seemingly don’t tend to the gardens in any way, shape or form
Richard
Have they actually finished painting it ? There are odd areas of grey on the arch under the bridge at the wall ends. I have seen these in your images and also on site. Any idea why or when they plan to finish it?